Co-operative Architecture 1945 - 1959 : Hull Co-operative Society, Bilton Grange and City Centre department store
From a very lavish production, printed of course by the CWS's own Printing Works at Reddish, is a description of the new city centre flagship department store for the Hull Co-operative Society that opened in 1958. This building formed one of the focal points of the city's new city centre, replanned and reconstructed after the devastation of the WW2 Blitz that hit Hull especially hard. The building is currently under threat of demolition and the fine, Listed external murals that are sadly not shown here (the book is a year too early!) are a particular point of controversy. The main plate shows the stylish entrance lobby and staircases along with very contemporary showcases - one for the Co-op's opticians.
The left page shows the Bilton Grange branch and gives a fine view of the very low carousel style of the day with broad sight lines and much natural light. To one side are the counter service positions whilst an array of special offers, sauces and pickles attract the happy shopper!
The book describes the many new shops, stores, factories and offices for the CWS and the various Societies were designed by the CWS's own Architects Department in the day when the Society basically made and did everything its members could need.
Co-operative Architecture 1945 - 1959 : Hull Co-operative Society, Bilton Grange and City Centre department store
From a very lavish production, printed of course by the CWS's own Printing Works at Reddish, is a description of the new city centre flagship department store for the Hull Co-operative Society that opened in 1958. This building formed one of the focal points of the city's new city centre, replanned and reconstructed after the devastation of the WW2 Blitz that hit Hull especially hard. The building is currently under threat of demolition and the fine, Listed external murals that are sadly not shown here (the book is a year too early!) are a particular point of controversy. The main plate shows the stylish entrance lobby and staircases along with very contemporary showcases - one for the Co-op's opticians.
The left page shows the Bilton Grange branch and gives a fine view of the very low carousel style of the day with broad sight lines and much natural light. To one side are the counter service positions whilst an array of special offers, sauces and pickles attract the happy shopper!
The book describes the many new shops, stores, factories and offices for the CWS and the various Societies were designed by the CWS's own Architects Department in the day when the Society basically made and did everything its members could need.